Coronary plaque features are imaging biomarkers of cardiovascular risk, but less is known about sex-specific patterns in their prognostic value. This study aimed to define sex differences in the coronary atherosclerotic phenotypes assessed by artificial intelligence-based quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT) and the associated risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).

The American Indian population in the United States experiences marked cardiovascular health disparities. American Indian patients, particularly those receiving care rurally through the Indian Health Service (IHS), face unique challenges to accessing appropriate cardiovascular care. However, there are no studies in the current era characterizing these challenges from the patient perspective. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the barriers, facilitators, and perceptions of cardiac care among Diné (Navajo) patients with heart failure (HF) receiving care through the IHS, as well as to determine patient-designed solutions to improve access to quality cardiovascular care.

Myocardial injury detected after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with increased mortality. Predictors of post-PCI myocardial injury are not well established. The long-term prognostic relevance of post-PCI myocardial injury remains uncertain.

The demographics of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy have evolved over the past decade, mostly driven by improved awareness of the disease among clinicians, noninvasive imaging tools for diagnosis, and new, effective treatments. Patients are now diagnosed earlier in their disease course, and treatment is initiated in those with milder disease, leading to improved outcomes. Earlier treatment of patients with milder disease may lead to accelerated disease stabilization and greater preservation of function. In addition, identification of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy at an earlier disease stage translates to healthier study populations at enrollment in clinical trials, with slower disease progression compared with patients in prior trials. In this context, effect sizes between active treatment and placebo arms will likely be smaller than those seen in historic trials, although it is still possible to observe clinically relevant differences. In this review, we discuss how patient characteristics have changed from the ATTR-ACT trial to the more recent APOLLO-B, ATTRibute-CM, and HELIOS-B studies. In addition, we consider how measures of the minimal clinically important difference for particular end points can assist in clinical decision-making and targeting treatment goals. Treatment goals are evolving over time with the need for evidence-based recommendations in this clinical space. Lastly, we address unmet needs and future expectations for the management of transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy.

The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of 3 to 6 months of DAPT over 12 months after complex PCI.

Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) remains undertreated with high resultant mortality despite increased growth and availability of aortic valve replacement (AVR) since the advent of transcatheter therapies. We evaluate the impact of electronic provider notifications (EPNs) on rates of AVR at 1 year.

The MINT trial (Myocardial Ischemia and Transfusion; N=3504) randomized patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL to liberal (maintain hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL) or restrictive (maintain hemoglobin ≥8 g/dL) red blood cell transfusion. The results suggested a benefit on 30-day death or MI with a liberal transfusion strategy. The effect of transfusion in patients with acute MI undergoing revascularization is unclear.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution intracoronary imaging. However, whether the addition of OCT to angiography to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of complex lesions affects clinical outcomes is debated.

One-year outcomes of TRILUMINATE Pivotal (Trial to Evaluate Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Treated With the Tricuspid Valve Repair System Pivotal) found that transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for the treatment of severe, symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation improved quality of life compared with medical therapy alone with similar rates of mortality and heart failure hospitalization. However, additional follow-up is necessary to determine the prolonged benefits of tricuspid TEER.

Both GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists and SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2) inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve cardiovascular outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular or chronic kidney disease. However, there are limited data about the effect of combining these agents on cardiovascular and safety outcomes.

Although Medicare Advantage (MA) plans provide coverage to >50% of Medicare beneficiaries, it is unclear whether MA claims can be used similarly to Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) claims for clinical outcomes assessment. In this study, we evaluate the accuracy of claims algorithms previously validated in FFS to assess comorbidities and outcomes in MA patients after aortic valve replacement.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) remains a significant challenge in cardiovascular medicine, characterized by substantial morbidity and mortality. Historically, patient outcomes in CS have been varied, highly dependent on the timeliness of interventions and the expertise available at treating centers. Emerging evidence indicates that structured, team-based approaches significantly improve survival rates and diminish complications linked to CS. However, several challenges for implementing a team-based approach persist, including optimizing team composition and resource distribution. This article delves into the evolution, current implementations, and future directions of CS teams, emphasizing their crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes. We advocate for the adoption of standardized protocols to ensure uniformity of care across institutions, highlighting the critical need for prompt recognition and management strategies that integrate invasive hemodynamic monitoring and early mechanical circulatory support. Looking ahead, we propose the extension of CS team models into regional networks, broadening their impact through education, telemedicine and collaborative protocols. We also emphasize the importance of continuous research and data sharing via national registries to refine CS team strategies and substantiate their effects on patient outcomes. Ultimately, this review highlights the imperative for ongoing innovation and standardization in CS team operations to improve care delivery and enhance survival rates in CS scenarios.